Creamed Spinach

CREAMED SPINACH
Ingredients:
1 Stick Butter, plus 2 Tbsp Softened
1/4 Cup Flour
1 Bay Leaf
2 Cups Milk or Half & Half
2 Tbsp Onion, Chopped
1/4 Tsp Salt
1 Lb Fresh Spinach
Salt & Pepper, To Taste

In small saucepan, melt one stick of butter over medium heat until foamy. Add flour and stir until light brown. Add onion and seasonings and then which in milk. Stir until it comes to a boil and thickens. Reduce heat and cook another 5 minutes. Sauce will be very thick.

Cook one pound of spinach by placing in boiling water for 1 minute. Remove spinach and place in bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Squeeze until very dry using paper towels to absorb the water. Puree in food processor or blender. In small saucepan, combine sauce and spinach on low heat, stirring often for about 5 minutes to warm. Season to taste. Finish by stirring in remaining 2 Tbsp softened butter.